Monday, 14 March 2011

For Crohn's and Country

Doing a spot of Crohn's related 'googling' (the unofficial term), has lead me to discover the various well-known people throughout history who have also been Crohn's sufferers.The most notable being Alfred The Great, born 849 and King of Wessex from 871 to 899.The Royal Society of Medicine were made aware of the monarch's condition through a book written at the time by Asser, King Alfred's Welsh bishop and "admirer". He tells us that after Alfred had married he participated in a "grand feast" which lasted for a day and a night and he was "struck without warning in the presence of the entire gathering by a sudden and severe pain that was quite unknown to all physicians". Many around him alleged this had happened "through the spells and witchcraft of those around him, or the Devil who is always envious of good men".In my case my 'grand feast' consisted of a baked tattie which 'lasted for' half an hour. I was also 'struck without warning' but 'in the presence' of my Mum and Dad. Thankfully they advised rather than consult a witch-doctor I should take a trip to the conventional doctors Surgery. Sensible. Unfortunately, Dr Bell (The Devil in this scenario) was presumably 'envious of a good woman' and sent me on my way with some indigestion tablets. Asser advises that the "stricken Monarch" despite his symptoms "was able to pursue matters of state and the things that gave him pleasure with some energy". I am also able to complete my online Tesco shop and enjoy Coronation Street 'with some energy'.So, in conclusion, I am not in any way trying to compare my my meager self with royalty, how dare I?! However, I do feel Great. ;)